Family-friendly Shrimps win award

Morecambe FC has won an award for Family Excellence from The Football League.

Created in 2007, the award recognises the outstanding experience clubs provide for young fans and families at their grounds.

General manager Mark Dixon said: “We have our kids go free initiative, which means every adult can take up three under 14s free on a season ticket or match day.

“We are also running a Year 11 free season ticket, sponsored by Centrica, which means every Year 1 school pupil will be offered a season ticket for Morecambe Football Club, and that will be going out to local schools soon.

“We are also rolling this out to schools in the south Lakes.”

Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey, said: “The ​​Football League Family Excellence Award gives clubs a standard to aspire to when planning their efforts to attract more families and young fans to their matches.

“It is hugely encouraging to see so many clubs receiving the accolade, demonstrating The Football League’s ongoing commitment to securing the next generation of fans.”

With an increase in the number of juniors and families now attending matches around the country, in the last six seasons junior attendance in The Football League has risen by 31% compared with a 6% increase in overall attendance during the same period.

The award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families that has been commissioned by The Football League.